Islamabad (Staff Reporter) The Minimum Wage Board Islamabad held an important meeting chaired by Board Chairman Usman Ashraf, during which a unanimous approval was granted for a 10% increase in wages after reviewing the current minimum wage rates for workers for the fiscal year 2026-27. The meeting was attended by Board Secretary Malik Zubair Awan, Labor Officer Malik Umar Awan, Independent Member Waqar Ahmed Qazi, and Board members Muhammad Naeem and Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen. During the meeting, a detailed review of the current minimum wage rates applicable to skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled, and part-time workers was conducted. Participants discussed the need for a reasonable increase in workers’ wages, considering inflation, rising daily living costs, basic necessities, and the overall economic situation. After deliberation, the Minimum Wage Board unanimously approved a 10% increase in the current wages of all relevant categories of workers. The board emphasized that providing economic relief to the labor class is a pressing necessity in light of current inflation and rising costs. The meeting also took into account the potential impact of revised wages on the financial capacity of employers and industrial and commercial activities, aiming to establish a balanced policy between workers’ rights and the capacity of businesses. The board stressed the importance of consultation with representatives of workers and employers, effective implementation of wages, and ensuring compliance by relevant institutions. At the end of the meeting, recommendations regarding the 10% increase were finalized and decided to be presented to the competent authority for further necessary action. The District Administration Islamabad and the Minimum Wage Board Islamabad expressed their commitment to ensuring that the wage determination process remains transparent, balanced, and aligned with ground realities, considering the economic protection of workers, current inflation, and rising living costs.